Fear has gripped the border villages after Pakistani rangers shelled the civilian areas along the International Border in Samba sector even as the Border Security Force (BSF) said around 60 ultras are waiting on the launch pads to infiltrate into the Indian side from the Jammu division.
What happened?
Pakistan rangers resumed the shelling on Wednesday night hours after a BSF jawan and four Pakistani soldiers were killed during the firing and retaliatory action on the International Border (IB) in Samba sector of Jammu division. Nearly 13 border outposts (BOPs) of the BSF were targeted by the Pakistan Rangers during the night. Pakistani forces also shelled civilian areas sparking fresh bout of fear among the villagers living along the borderline in Jammu division.
What is the sate govt doing to protect civilian population?
District collector of Samba Mubarak Singh told dna that they have cautioned the people to remain indoors as and when there is firing from across the border. "When there is firing small apprehension are there. We also cautioned the people to remain indoors as and when there is firing. We also conveyed to people to remain in pucca houses and do not unnecessary move outside. We have told them not to live in kuccha houses and take shelter in the pucca houses", he said.
Has any measure been taken to safeguard the border population?
Jammu and Kashmir government has put in place the contingency plan to shift the people on borderline if the firing from across escalates in coming days. "We have already notified 35 camps. People know which camp they have to go (during exigencies). If need arises we will shift the people", said Shahid Iqbal, district development commissioner Kathua.
Why is Pakistan upping the ante on the IB?
Inspector general of BSF Rakesh Sharma said 50 to 60 militants are waiting on the launch pads on IB to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan. Sources said the firing by Pakistan was an attempt to give cover to the militants to sneak into Indian side in which they failed. BSF has beefed up the security on the IB to foil the designs of the Pakistan to push ultras into India
Has Centre taken any steps to force Pakistan to silence their guns?
India is lodging a strong protest with Pakistan over the ceasefire violations, the third along the International Border in the past three days and seventh in last eight days. Sending a stern message to Pakistan, union home minister Rajnath Singh said the security forces will give a fitting response to anyone who dares to cast an evil eye on India. "Our jawans are protecting the border with all their might. No one can dare cast an evil eye on India. Even if someone tries to do so, BSF and other security forces will give them a fitting reply," Singh told reporters in New Delhi.
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar too joined the chorus saying Islamabad does not seem to have learn any lesson. "Pakistan does not like to stay quiet even on New Year day. They started (cross-border) firing at 12.30 pm and don't seem to learn (any) lesson," Parrikar said at an event here.
How many ceasefire violations has taken place in 2014?
Official figures reveal that there has been 562 ceasefire violations on the Line of Control and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014. Around 410 ceasefire violations occurred on the IB while 152 violations were reported on the LoC.
Around 19 people, including five jawans, were killed and over 150 injured in the Pakistani firing. Nearly 35000 people living on the borderline had to shift to camps when Pakistan intensified the firing in October.
Official figures reveal there were a total of 347 ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir including 199 along the LoC in 2013. In 2012, 114 ceasefire violations were reported on the borders compared to 62 in 2011. During the last 10 years (2004-2013), 27 soldiers have been killed in various incidents along the LoC.
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